The main difference between the two is that French drains capture and remove groundwater while trench drains quickly remove surface water before it can saturate the ground. Here's a closer look at each type of drain.
TRENCH DRAIN CONS:
Heavy forklifts and other equipment can damage the grates. High flow rates into the drain can result in splashing, causing contamination. The wider opening, though covered by a grate, can create a tripping hazard.
The primary difference between yard drainage systems is that French drains move water below ground level, or subsurface water, and yard drains manage surface water. The installation methods and materials also differ for each system.
If you want a drainage system that is less visible or installed around the perimeter of your property, French drains are generally a better choice. However, if you have a high-traffic area where water needs to be quickly and efficiently redirected, channel drains may be the better option.
Swales: A Natural Solution
They're a great option if you're looking for a more natural, eco-friendly alternative to French drains. A swale is typically lined with grass or vegetation that helps slow down and absorb water.
Trench drains are beneficial for controlling floor water earlier than they can saturate the floor. In contrast, French drains seize and ship groundwater and surface water from a unique area to a septic tank or fantastic drainage device. If you are concerned about water on the surface, a trench drain is possible.
Clay soil has poor permeability, meaning it doesn't allow water to pass through easily. In such cases, the effectiveness of a French drain may be limited as the water may struggle to drain away from the area efficiently. French drains may not be suitable for areas with high water tables.
Continuous trench drains for gas or oil discharges shall have a trapped and vented opening no less than every 40 lineal feet. Intermittent trench drains shall be treated as individual floor drains and shall meet the trap and venting requirements for floor drains.
French drains are best suited for properties with moderate to severe water drainage issues, particularly in areas with heavy rain or poor soil drainage.
Like a trench drain, a swale is a surface water drainage device. However, it's a lot more subtle in terms of its appearance in the landscape. A swale is like a ditch, but it's broad and shallow, and usually covered or lined with turfgrass or other vegetation.
First, they protect your property against water damage. When water pools outside, it can damage your lawn. If it pools regularly, it can also seep into the foundation of your house and cause interior and structural damage. On potentially slippery surfaces, like pool decks and patios, trench drains also increase safety.
Make sure you excavate the correct pitch (or slope) of your French Drain installation so that water drains into a sump, catch basin, or other drainage feature. There should be a 1-foot drop (sloping downward) for every 100 feet of pipe.
This part of drain maintenance is most commonly required for business locations, but even residential trench drains need to be cleaned out a few times a year on average. When trench drains are not cleaned up regularly, they can get clogged and lead to standing water or even damage to the drain system itself.
Conclusion. P-traps assume an indispensable role in the efficient operation and safety of trench drain systems. By effectively acting as barriers against foul odors, sewer gases, and potential contaminants, P-traps ensure a healthy, odor-free environment while preventing the spread of harmful substances.
The main difference between the two is that French drains capture and remove groundwater while trench drains quickly remove surface water before it can saturate the ground.
Backfill the Trench With Concrete
To ensure the drain channel is secure, you want to do this process in two steps: first, floating the channel 1/16-inch below the first layer of concrete. Then, once it has set, backfill the rest of the trench with at least 4-inches of concrete on both sides.
There are common reasons as to why and how a trench drain system can fail. Most often those reasons consist of poor maintenance, incorrect or improper drain system, grating, and/or installation for the application.
An interior drainage system is an easier, more affordable option for waterproofing your basement. The WaterGuard Basement Waterproofing System is a non-clogging French drain alternative. Our interior drainage system captures water at the most common point of basement entry - the floor and the wall joint.
Although French drains are low-maintenance, they are not entirely free of potential issues. Over time, the system can become clogged with silt, roots, or debris. When this happens, water may pool again in areas the drain was meant to protect. Regular inspections can help identify problems early before they escalate.
Distance from Foundation
A general rule of thumb is that a french drain should be installed around three feet away from the foundation of a home, but this can vary depending on individual landscaping factors such as where the water is pooling and where gutters are already aligned.
Generally speaking, a French drain will last approximately 30 to 40 years. However, the above-mentioned factors may shorten its life cycle and it must then be replaced by a team of foundation experts.
With stormwater, most likely, your drainage systems would fall under land improvements. Stormwater best management practices such as french drains, downspouts and gutter systems, bioswales, and dry wells could qualify as depreciable assets.
French drains (aka weeping tile, perimeter drains, agricultural drains, and rock drains) are an easy-to-install solution for your drainage problems. Clients pay an average price of $5,000 to have a French drain installed professionally, with most homeowners paying $1,650 – $12,250.